Current Weather and Stream ConditionsAs they have been now for a long time, the streams in Great Smoky Mountains National Park continues to be in great condition. So far, Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina have escaped the drought situation much of the nation is encountering. That's good because it doesn't take much of a drought to adversely affect the trout streams of the Smokies. Just a general low amount of precipitation during August, September and sometimes even October, will cause an adverse effect the trout's well being.

Sometimes we forget this area is in the South. When it comes to having water that's cold enough for trout to live in, with the exception of tailwaters below deep water dams, only one thing makes the water in the park greatly different from other places in the South - high elevations. The climate in the uppermost areas of the park is similar to that of New England. There's another big factor. The heavy forest of the Smokies normally receive as much water as the Northwest Pacific Coastal Range. However, when things aren't normal, and there's little rainfall and very hot weather, the water temperatures can increase to the point trout have a difficult time surviving, particular in the lower elevations. That happened a few years ago and as a result, it doesn't take much heat and lack of rain to get my attention. So far this Summer, things have been in great shape.

Yesterday and last night the Smokies got a good dose of water. Most areas of the park received from 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches of rain. From looking at the USGS stream flow data for the Oconaluftee and the National Weather Service precipitation map, it appears the central North Carolina side of the park received the most rain. Little River appears to have received just the right amount. It has an excellent height and flow rate.

More good news is the chances for rain for the next two days looks great. There's a 60% chance of rain today and tomorrow for the Gatlinburg area. The long term forecast ranges from 30 to 50 percent for the remainder of the week. Highs will be in the mid 80's and the lows in the mid 60's.The bottom line is it doesn't get any better than this.

I tried to sneak out yesterday afternoon to make a few cast with our new Perfect Fly Superb Five fly rod but I didn't like the thought of holding it up in the air with lightning flashing all around me. I'll go (die) when the good Lord decides I should, but the thought of my new fly rod getting damaged is downright scary. .